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Foods That Type 2 Diabetics Should Eat

Type 2 Diabetes is a disease in which the body produces too little or restricts glucose in the body. Diabetics may have to rely on insulin shots to stimulate glucose production. Diet control is also necessary to keep glucose levels from dipping too far down or shooting too high, which can put the patient into shock. Diabetics must consider the amounts of certain food groups like carbohydrates, meats and fruits that they eat on a daily basis.

  1. Complex Carbs

    • Carbohydrates are just as important to Type 2 Diabetics as anyone else. Carbohydrates in general will add to the body's glucose levels, but complex carbohydrates with dietary fibers can help control glucose production versus simple sugars that can send glucose numbers spiking and dropping rapidly. Although grains are usually considered a source of carbohydrates, they can also be found in starchy vegetables like potatoes, beans and some meats. It is recommended to have between six and 11 carbohydrate servings per day. One slice of whole grain bread, 1/3 cup of rice or a ¾ cup of dry cereal all equal one serving.

    Fruit and Vegetables

    • Fruit and vegetables are good for diabetics as well, but in controlled amounts. Vegetables are generally lower in fat and contain dietary fibers that aid in moving waste out of the body as well as regulating glucose production. Starchy vegetables as mentioned in the above paragraph do not count as a vegetable serving for diabetics. Vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers should encompass three to five servings a day, with 1 cup of raw or ½ cup of cooked vegetables counting as a serving. Fruits can provide many of the necessary vitamins and minerals, but they can also be heavy in sugars. Fruit servings should be limited; two to four servings a day is adequate. One small fresh fruit or a ½ cup of canned fruit counts as a serving.

    Meats

    • Meats provide needed protein to Type 2 Diabetics, but they also contain fats. Too much fat can complicate diabetic needs by lining the arterial walls with deposits. These deposits constrict blood flow, therefore restricting glucose delivery to the body. Lean meats should be chosen, with any extra visible fat trimmed off. In addition to the traditional meats, other food sources fit this category for diabetics. Fish, eggs, dried beans, cheese and peanut butter count as well. Four to six ounces per day are recommended. One tbsp. of butter, 1 egg or ½ cup of tofu is equal to one ounce of traditional meat like beef or chicken.

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